Why do we fear death?

These past few weeks I have been studying the book of Daniel. Most people know the story of Daniel but there were three other men with him Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah better known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

These four Jewish men were chosen by Ashpenaz, chief of the court of King Nebuchadnezzar because they were without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of Babylonia. Daniel 1:3,4

These four men were quite remarkable and their FAITH was even more remarkable. Their FAITH was so strong that no matter what rules were created by the king if it went against what GOD wanted they did not obey. According to Hebrews 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."

We are to submit to those above us in authority and obey their rules but we are not to follow rules that go against GOD's word and commandments. This is exactly what these four men did, they had been taken into captivity and had obeyed their rulers until a law was made that went against GOD's commands. In Daniel 3 King Nebuchadnezzar built an image of gold 90 feet high and 9 feet wide that everyone was to bow down to and worship everytime they heard all types of music. Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Look at the amount of FAITH they had, read Daniel 3:17,18 again. These men state that GOD will either save them from it or will rescue them. Imagine being faced with that decision, either do what this person say's or you will be cast into a fiery furnace. You know that GOD will either save you from the fire or you will die and be taken into heaven, which is our ultimate goal.

Daniel was also put in the same predicament in Daniel 6:6,7 So the administrators and the satraps went as a group to the king and said: "O King Darius, live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den.

Daniel knew the rules and consequences of disobeidence but he continued to bow down toward Jerusalem three times a day to pray to GOD. He knew GOD would take care of him either by saving him from the lion's or by taking him into heaven. GOD had more plans for Daneil so HE kept Daniels safe that day. HE not only spared Daniels life but the people who framed Daniel were killed. Daniel had no fear of death.

Do you ever wonder why we fear death?

Maybe we don't fear death itself but we don't want to cause our family and friends pain.

Maybe we fear of the way we will die, the odds of us dying quietly in our beds are pretty slim.

With FAITH in our salvation through CHRIST JESUS we should not fear death but look forward to it.

No more pain or sickness only peace, joy, rejoicing and singing forever and ever.

My prayer today is that I will have FAITH in my salvation and eternal life that is so strong that I will fear nothing.